It is Christmas day in Columbus, Ohio. There is a 100% chance it is cold, but you are never sure if Ohio will spit out rain or snow come winter. My family and I are pulling up to my great grandparents house around 1:00 in the afternoon and here are a ton of cars parked along the street. My entire family is inside celebrating the best time of the year. As we walk in, my cousins yell “Hey!” and the whole house knows that someone has arrived. After we greet everyone, I always remembered to walk up to Felix to tap him on his bald head to get his attention and give him a hug. “Hey, young man, how are you?” is the usual response that comes from him. I’ll say “I’m good! I see you have grown some more hair up there!” and he will let out a chuckle.

Holidays at my great grandparents house are the best. With tons of family members here, great food, and tons of laughs, it is a great environment. The atmosphere has a “Christmas movie feel” to it. The hidden gem of their home is in the living room located in the front of the house, where his old record player is kept. It plays songs from the Ohio State Marching Band to songs from Frank Sinatra. Regardless, the sound quality from the player gives off a fantastic experience. When listening, it makes you feel like you are in a movie: vintage Frank Sinatra Christmas melodies are playing in the background, family members are enjoying themselves, it is truly a great experience to spend any holiday. Felix’s house is where all of the family gatherings take place and every family member cannot wait for the next gathering.

Most people that knew Felix Traini know he was a kid at heart. He would joke and kid about everything with everybody. At a family gathering once, his wife, Amadell, fell while going into the garage to get some food. Thankfully she was safe, but when it happened Felix yelled out “Oh, get up!”. The entire house burst into laughter from his comment. Felix and his wife were a dynamic duo. They will give you anything to make you happy. Every time visit them, Felix always wanted to make you a sandwich, regardless if I am hungry or not. They will take care of you and comfort you no matter what, and taking naps on their old green couch are the best ever.

The best quality about Felix is that he spoke his mind. He would let you know if you have made a mistake. Watching football games at his house are always comical as he is constantly yelled at the television, regardless of what team he is rooting for. “Oh what an idiot!” is something he would yell if someone had made a mistake on the field, then the entire house is laughing yet again.

With his plaid dress shirts, tan khaki pants, and beret; it is clear that he had always expressed a hint of the past that he can’t let go, but that is what made him great. He was always dressed to impress, no matter the occasion. An ordinary day in the life of Felix is he would wake up around 6:00am next to his lovely wife Amadell, and make them both a cup of coffee. He then read the newspaper, which he could do for hours and always saves the articles that mention someone in the family.

Felix Traini was 92 years old, was married to the same woman for sixty years, and lived in the same house for fifty years, and although he may have passed, he will still fill the room with his joy and love for years to come.

Felix.